According to a report by IFP, the clemency was granted by Ayatollah Khamenei at the request of the country’s Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani on the occasion of birthday anniversaries of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his grandson Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (AS).

Article 110 of the Constitution grants the Leader the right to pardon or reduce the sentences of convicts upon a recommendation from the head of the Judiciary.

The clemency, however, does not apply to certain types of convicts, including those who have been sentenced for their role in armed struggle against the country, armed or organized drug trafficking, armed robbery, arms smuggling, abduction, bribery and embezzlement.